The 1896 US $20.00 Coronet gold coin is also known as the “$20.00 Liberty Double Eagle” by knowledgeable collectors. It is a popular coin among many collectors and investors because its relatively low mintage makes lightly circulated examples of the coin a great value in today’s marketplace.
If you would like to purchase a nice example of the 1896 US $20.00 Double Eagle for your collection or portfolio, please read this buyer’s guide that can help you learn more about this neat coin.
Specifications:
Mintage: 792,395.
Designer: James Longacre.
Mintmark: none.
Mint location: Philadelphia, PA.
Weight: 1.073 troy ounces.
Gold content: 0.9657 troy ounces.
Purity: 90% gold, 10% various alloys.
Face Value: $20.00.
Design Information:
The 1896 US $20.00 Coronet gold coin features on the obverse an allegorical portrait of Liberty facing left. She is wearing a coronet on her head that is similar to the women’s hats that were fashionable at the time.
The reverse features an American bald eagle that has its wings spread out as if it were ready for flight. The eagle faces to the left and behind a shield. The reverse also has the nation’s motto “In God We Trust.” It appears directly above the eagle. Finally, the reverse also has the coin’s face value written across the bottom.
How to choose an 1896 US gold Double Eagle for your collection or investment portfolio:
Most examples of the 1896 US $20.00 Double Eagle usually suffer from heavy bag marks across Liberty’s cheek and hair. The reverse of the coin is also usually plagued by heavy bag marks across the Eagle’s breast and in the fields surrounding the motto. These bag marks are created when coins rub up against each other in storage or in transit. As a result, they should not be mistaken for actual wear on the coin’s design.
Moreover, most 1896 US gold Double Eagles tend to be well worn. This is the case because the coins saw frequent use in the Western US and in the New England area. Most of the wear can be found on the obverse on Liberty’s cheek and hair. The reverse usually shows heavy wear on the eagle’s breast and near the tips of its wings.
As a result of these flaws, finding truly Uncirculated examples of this coin without unsightly bag marks is a challenge.
Therefore, unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money, be sure to look for a lightly circulated example of this coin that has very few bag marks. Knowledgeable collectors consider these coins to be About Uncirculated or Choice About Uncirculated.
These coins can be found for sale at a small fraction of the cost of Uncirculated coins. As a result, they offer collectors and investors a great value because the coin’s precious metal content and good looks create an instant demand for the coins.
Therefore, be sure to look for an About Uncirculated example of this neat coin to receive the best value for your money.